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Roof mounting on Saturn Vue	Reply
by KD8HMB on September 4, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
I am having a heck of a time finding someone local that is able or willing to install a 2 meter antenna on the roof of my Saturn VUE. I have tried local auto radio /stereo isntallers and one mobile radio installer, but seems no one will do it, including the Saturn dealership. Anyone have experience with that vehicle and tips on what I would find in the roof, and where to run the cable safely? Thanks

RE: Roof mounting on Saturn Vue	Reply
by K0BG on September 4, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
There are three two way shops here in Roswell, and they'll all do it for about $75. I can't imagine that you can't find someone to do it there. The main things to be aware of are the cross braces in the roof. There is not a convenient way to find them unless you look under the headliner. Most vehicle have dome lights which can be removed to allow you to see them. The other issues are clearing the wiring through the pillars which isn't always easy. In the Vue, I suspect you can pull the liner down on the rear end easily enough. However, I would purchased a repair manual for it so you know the correct way to do the job. They're usually about $75 and worth every penny. Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com

RE: Roof mounting on Saturn Vue	Reply
by KD8HMB on September 4, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Got lucky today and found someone local who installs antennas in police cars and will do it for $50. Have ordered Larsen 2/70 mobile antenna from AES and should get it Friday.

RE: Roof mounting on Saturn Vue	Reply
by KG4RUL on September 8, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
I own a Saturn VUE and I would NOT recommend mounting an antenna through the roof. The metal is VERY thin and flexes with the least pressure. In fact, the factory optional roof rack is only rated to carry 100 Lbs. This gives you a real clue as to the sturdiness of the roof structure. I am using a Comet Heavy Duty lip mount on the hatchback with a Lakeview 5/8 Wave, 2M antenna. I have also used a Lil Tarheel II, HF, Screwdriver Antenna on this same model mount with no problems.

RE: Roof mounting on Saturn Vue	Reply
by KD8HMB on September 19, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
I got the antenna installed on the roof by a professional. He did it in about 1/2 hour, much faster than I would have thought possible. He pulled the weather stripping from the right side passenger door, pried the roof liner away to see where the ribs were, picked a spot on the roof and marked it. Next he unscrewed the passenger side sun visor, popped of a small access panel from the side front window pillar, unscrewed the pillar molding. He then drilled the hole, inserted a cable snake and pulled the coax through, ran it from the hole to along side the door, down the front pillar and out to the passenger side foot well. He popped another access panel for the center hump and snaked the coax under the hump mount and out again to the raido which is mounted on the cup holder section. Mounted the antenna and reinstalled everything he had taken off. Nice and clean. The mount seems sturdy enough.

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